Choices
CHOOOSING A RUSTIC FRAME
The creation of a rustic picture frame from the elements of nature requires going back to the
absolute basics of picture framing. What idea or emotion does the image wish to communicate to the viewer?
What natural material best suits and enhances this idea?
We are the first to admit that a rustic frame may not work for every image but when it does,
something special happens and the viewer can feel it.
YOUR OWN MATERIAL
Clients wishing to capture a bit of family history are always welcome to bring or send their own materials,
and many do. We understand that there are many structures of personal significance, and we will do our best
to turn your materials into something worth passing down to future generations.
Keep in mind that the average 6 x 8 photo with an appropriate amount of mat surround requires nearly
a metre of material to produce a frame. An A-3 photo can require timber lengths of 800mm or more for starters.
So make sure you bring the whole Dunny door and not just a couple of planks.
CHOICE
Alternatively, you can browse through our gallery so as to begin getting some ideas as to what you want.
Keep in mind it is only the tip of the iceberg. We have photographed many of the rustic frames we have made.
Through further discussion we can surely come up with just what you have in mind.
It is always our preference to have the actual artwork or photo for framing.
Each frame is individual and meant to suit a particular artwork itself.
Even so, we realize that this is not always practical. Where a frame is to be a gift, for example.
Hence, we often produce and sell frames without specific artwork.
MATERIALS
Fortunately wood goes with wood. Mixing and matching light and dark timbers in your home or workspace
décor is easy, appropriate and makes for good visual interest.
There are plenty of interesting timbers both light and dark and both seem to get along with classical,
subtle, contemporary and radical interior designs.
SHAPE
Rustic frames are an obvious departure from the ordinary, so don’t be afraid to be bold and
extravagant with choice. A general rule of thumb is the simpler the image the bolder the frame can be.
Complicated images can work with rustic frames as well, but begin your search with the more subtle
external shapes. Sometimes just going with reclaimed flooring with an interesting grain pattern
can be enough of a statement. Particularly with larger images, like panoramas.
Search our showcase for ideas and interesting examples.
GRAIN
Timber grains can be subtle or radical, depending upon the species and particular timber selection.
The grain works with the shape of the timber to enhance the image, so selection is important.
Older timber clearly has more character and definition, and that is why you are here.
The closer the viewer to the composition the more effect the grain has.
Images in a narrow hallway or stairwell will be viewed differently to those in a lounge room.
When possible keep the final location in mind.
COLOUR
We usually categorize timber colours into creams, browns or reds, but there are some lovely variations as well.
Use these three colours as a baseline and go from there. Take any species of timber and you will find
a whole range of colours both in the grain and right out to the bark where possible to retain it.
Outside, inside, sunny side of the hill, age of tree and content of the soil.
You are what you eat and the same pertains to timber. This is what makes each frame unique.
It may seem a daunting process of choice but the reward for success can be reaped for years to come.
From there it is simply a matter of handcrafting each frame individually to bring out its unique
characteristics and creative charm.
"
Natural timber frames. Natural warmth and beauty. Sometimes regal, sometimes whimsical. The choice is yours."
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